Dispensing tap and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

A dispensing tap ( 700 ) for liquids includes a body ( 702 ) connected to the neck of a container ( 900 ), a dispensing head ( 708 ) with an outlet or mouth ( 714 ), and a throat ( 710 ) connecting the body to the dispensing head. A shut off valve ( 716 ) is configured for sealing engagement with the mouth of the dispensing head, and a piston ( 718 ) is axially guided within the dispensing head. The piston includes a peripheral seal ( 720 ) slidably engaged with an interior surface of the dispensing head, and a valve stem ( 722 ) coupled to the shut off valve. The piston is selectively actuable between a normally closed position an open position. A vent ( 740 ) is in communication with an interior of the body and the vent is opened and closed with movement of the piston and shut off valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the invention relate to dispensing devices for flowableproducts such as liquid laundry detergent, and more particularly to anovel high flow rate dispensing tap.

Dispensing taps are known for fluid materials. They generally comprise adispensing head and an actuator for opening a valve. While these tapshave found widespread use, they suffer from numerous ergonomic andfunctional issues which make them difficult to use. The actuators areoften difficult to manipulate, and the flow rate is much too slow forconsumer satisfaction, resulting in the consumer having to hold the tapopen for longer than desired.

Consumers continually drive the need for novel dispensing devices whichprovide easier use, more functionality, better ergonomics and betterdispensing options for a variety of liquid or fluid products for varioususes. Accordingly, there is always a need for improved dispensingoptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, the presentdisclosure provides an ergonomic, high flow rate, self-ventingdispensing tap for a high-viscosity, flowable fluid or liquidformulation, such as a laundry detergent.

According to some embodiments, a dispensing tap may include a bodyhaving a peripheral skirt for connection to the neck of a container, adispensing head, and a throat connecting the body to the dispensing headwhich provides a flow path from the body to the dispensing head. Thedispensing head may further include a dispensing outlet or mouth. A shutoff valve may be configured for sealing engagement with the mouth of thedispensing head, and a piston may be axially guided within thedispensing head. The piston may include a peripheral seal slidablyengaged with an interior surface of the dispensing head. A valve stemextends from the piston and a terminal end thereof may be coupled to theshut off valve. In use, the piston may be selectively actuable by eithera button integrated with the piston or a separate lever between anormally closed position wherein the shut off valve is seated within themouth, and an open position wherein the shut off valve is disengagedfrom the mouth. A spring may be captured between the piston and thedispensing head normally biasing the piston and shut off valve to theclosed position. In some embodiments, an atmospheric or airless vent maybe provided in communication with an interior of the body and in someembodiments, the vent may be opened and closed with movement of thepiston and shut off valve.

In some embodiments, the spring may comprise a slotted tubular springelement formed from a tensile polymer. The slotted tubular springelement may be captured between opposing loading cones formed on thepiston and the dispensing head.

According to other embodiments, the spring may comprise a conventionalcoil spring captured between the piston and dispensing head.

In order to provide a high flow rate from the dispensing head, thecross-sectional flow area of the outlet or mouth may be greater than thecross-sectional flow area of the throat.

In some embodiments, the vent may include a ball valve disposed withinan interior of the body, or the ball valve may be located at theterminal end of an extension tube which would extend into the interiorof the container when mounted.

Certain embodiments of the invention may include a peripheral pistonseal which is configured for engagement with a vent opening formed onthe interior surface of the dispensing head. The peripheral seal may beengaged with the vent opening when the piston is in the closed positionand may be disengaged from the vent opening when the piston is in theopen position. This arrangement creates a self-venting system whereinthe vent and the shut off valve are opened simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the peripheral seal on the pistonis larger than the diameter of the shut off valve. In this manner, whenpressure is exerted on the container, the pressure is greater on thepiston seal than the shut off valve, and naturally exerts a higher forcein the closed direction to keep the shut off valve closed.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing headincludes external finger holds to facilitate depression of the actuatorbutton or lever connected to the piston.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention,various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood andappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the followingdescriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid container and a dispensing tap in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary dispensing tap inFIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate various views thereof;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 8-8of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view thereof with the actuator pistondepressed for dispensing;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line10-10 of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplaryembodiment of the dispensing tap including a coil spring;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate closed and open cross-sectional views ofstill another exemplary embodiment which does not include a ball valve;

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate various views of an alternative self-ventingstructure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate closed and open cross-sectional views of yetanother self-venting structure in accordance with some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of yet another exemplaryembodiment of a dispensing tap including a finger hold flange;

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-section view thereof taken along line 19-19of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing head thereof;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the actuator piston thereof;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a further exemplary embodimentof a dispensing tap including finger holds and a lever actuator;

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line24-24 of FIG. 23 ;

FIGS. 25-29 illustrate various views thereof;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view thereof with the lever actuatordepressed for dispensing;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 31-31 of FIG.30 ;

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of yet another exemplaryembodiment with improved sealing and a wider ranging flow rate;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 33-33 of FIG.32 ; and

FIG. 34 is cross-sectional view thereof with additional annotations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the device and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present disclosure. Further, in the present disclosure,like-numbered components of the embodiments generally have similarfeatures, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of eachlike-numbered component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are usedin the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, suchdimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can beused in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A personskilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear andcircular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape.Further, to the extent that directional terms like top, bottom, up, ordown are used, they are not intended to limit the systems, devices, andmethods disclosed herein. A person skilled in the art will recognizethat these terms are merely relative to the system and device beingdiscussed and are not universal.

According to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention as describedherein, the present disclosure provides an ergonomic, high flow rate,self-venting dispensing tap for a high-viscosity, flowable fluid orliquid formulation, such as a laundry detergent.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-10 , and according to some embodiments ofthe invention, a dispensing tap 100 may generally include a body 102having a peripheral skirt 104 for connection to the neck 902 (See FIG.11 ) of a container 900.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11 , an exemplary embodiment of the container900 includes a neck 902 or opening for connection of the dispending tap100. In some embodiments, the container neck 902 and skirt 104 mayinclude complementary threads 106 where the tap structure 100 may bethreaded or rotated into place on the container 900, or the neck 902 andskirt 102 may be provided with a bayonet or other connection.

The dispensing tap 100 may further include a dispensing head 108, and athroat 110 connecting the body 102 to the dispensing head 108 where thethroat 110 provides a fluid flow path 112 from an interior of the body102 to an interior of the dispensing head 108.

The exemplary dispensing head 108 is oriented vertically and may includea dispensing outlet or mouth 114 at a lower end thereof. Referring toFIGS. 8-10 , a shut off valve 116 may be configured for sealingengagement with the mouth 114 of the dispensing head 108. The shut offvalve 116 may be elastomeric or other material suitable for forming afluid seal with the mouth 114.

Still referring to FIGS. 8-10 , a piston 118 may be axially guidedwithin the dispensing head 108. The piston 118 may include a peripheralseal 120 which is slidably engaged with an interior surface of thedispensing head 108 at the upper end thereof. A valve stem 122 extendsdownwardly from the piston 118 and is further guided by a guide cylinder124 formed within the lower end of the dispensing head 108. A terminalend of the valve stem 122 extends below the guide cylinder 124 and maybe coupled to the shut off valve 116. In the exemplary embodiments, anipple 126 on the upper surface of the shut off valve 116 is press fitinto a bore 128 in the terminal end of the valve stem 122.

In use, the piston 118 may be selectively actuable or depressible (seearrows in FIGS. 9-10 ) by a button structure 130 which is integratedwith the upper surface of the piston 118. The piston 118 may be actuatedbetween a normally closed position (See FIGS. 2-8 ) wherein the shut offvalve 116 is seated within the mouth 114, and an open position (SeeFIGS. 9 and 10 ) wherein the shut off valve 116 is disengaged from themouth 114. The button structure 130 may be integrally formed with thepiston 118 or may be molded separately and attached.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing head 108may include external finger holds 132 to facilitate depression of theactuator button 130 connected to the piston 118. The exemplary fingerholds 132 extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of thedispensing head 108 and facilitate the depression of the button actuator130 with the users thumb by providing a leverage point for the user'sindex and middle fingers straddling the dispensing head 108.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10 , a spring 134 may be captured between thepiston 118 and the dispensing head 108 normally biasing the piston 118and shut off valve 116 to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the spring 134 may comprise a slotted tubularspring element formed from a tensile polymer. The slotted tubular springelement 134 may be captured between opposing loading cones 136, 138formed on the piston 118 and the dispensing head 108. In the exemplaryembodiments, the slotted tubular spring element 134 is cylindrical inshape and the loading cones 136, 138 are generally conical in shape. Theexemplary embodiments of the loading cones include a first frustoconicalpre-loading wall section having a steeper wall angle greater than 11degrees, and a second frustoconical primary loading wall section havinga shallower wall angle of less than 11 degrees.

In some exemplary embodiments, all of the components of both thedispensing tap and the spring assembly are molded from the same plasticmaterial making the entire dispensing tap easily recyclable in a singleplastic material classification. Exemplary plastic materials includepolypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE). However, the disclosure should not be considered tobe limited to these materials.

As seen in FIGS. 8 and 10 , the piston loading cone 136 is axiallycompressible towards the lower fixed cone 138 within the open ends ofthe slotted tubular spring element 134 whereby the slotted tubularspring element 134 radially expands in tension to create an opposingradial contraction force. Deformation of the tubular spring wallselastically stores energy which will return the spring to its normal atrest shape when released. When released, the spring element 134elastically contracts, in turn creating an axial extension force, andreturns the upper piston cone 136 to its normal at rest position.

Some embodiments of the spring assembly include a spring element 134having strain reducing ribs extending along the opposing edges of thelongitudinal slot (See FIG. 20 ). The ribs may include outwardly convexsurfaces extending both radially outward and circumferentially outwardfrom the slot edges. This embodiment further includes a first thinnerwall thickness at the slot edges and a second thicker wall thicknessdiametrically opposed from the slot edges. The arcuate surface alongwith the increasing wall thickness moving away from the slot edges, moreevenly distributes strain throughout the spring element and extends thelife cycle of the polymer spring element.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , and according to other embodiments, thespring 134 may comprise a conventional coil spring 134A captured betweenthe piston 118 and dispensing head 108. In this regard, the upper andlower loading cones 136, 138 act as spring guides.

In some embodiments, an atmospheric vent 140 may be provided incommunication with an interior of the body 102 and in some embodiments,the vent 140 may be opened and closed with movement of the piston 118and shut off valve 116. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 10 , a vent 140extends between an interior surface of the dispensing head 108 and theinterior of the body 108. The vent 140 may include ball valve 142disposed on the interior of the body 108 to prevent fluid from escapingin at rest conditions. In certain embodiments of the invention theperipheral piston seal 120 is configured with a v-shaped multiple lip(chevron) seal for engagement with the vent opening formed on theinterior surface of the dispensing head. In this regard, the peripheralchevron seal 120 may be engaged with, or overlie, the vent opening whenthe piston is in the closed position (See FIG. 8 ) and may be disengagedfrom the vent opening (See FIG. 10 ) when the piston is in the openposition. This arrangement creates a self-venting system wherein thevent 140 and the shut off valve 116 are opened and closedsimultaneously.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , some embodiments 200 of the invention mayexclude the ball valve structure and rely on only the chevron seal 220to prevent fluid from escaping in at rest conditions. The embodiment 200is structurally and functionally similar to tap 100, and includes body202, dispensing head 208, throat 210, mouth 214, shut off valve 216,piston 218, button 230 and spring 234.

Other embodiments of the invention 300, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and15 may include an airless vent system 310. The vent 340 in theseembodiments extends from an opening in the body 302 into the interior bymeans of an extension tube 350, and an expandable vent bag 352 ispositioned on the terminal end thereof. The embodiment 300 is otherwisestructurally and functionally similar to tap 100.

In other embodiments 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , a ballvalve 442 may be located at the terminal end of an extension tube 450which would extend into the interior of the container 900 when mounted.The embodiment 400 is otherwise structurally and functionally similar totap 100.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-10 , in order to provide a high flow rate fromthe dispensing head 108, the cross-sectional flow area of the outlet ormouth M_(A) may be greater than the cross-sectional flow area of thethroat T_(A). As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7 , the flow area of thethroat T_(A) (dashed lines in FIG. 4 ) is smaller than the flow areaprovided by the mouth M_(A) (dashed lines in FIG. 7 ). The constrictedthroat area T_(A) accelerates fluid flow through the throat and into thedispensing head 108 where the fluid can freely flow out of the largerdiameter mouth 114.

In some embodiments, the diameter (P_(D)) of the peripheral seal 120 onthe piston 118 is larger than the diameter (V_(D)) of the shut off valve116. In this configuration, normal fluid head pressure is greater on thepiston seal 120 than the shut off valve 116, and naturally exerts ahigher force in the closed direction to keep the shut off valve 116closed. The arrangement further works advantageously when externalpressure is exerted on the container 900 to prevent leaks from the shutoff valve 116. The configuration is visible in FIGS. 1-10 which show theupper piston portion of the dispensing head having a slightly largerdiameter than the lower mouth portion. However, the features are bestillustrated in FIG. 11 showing the two different internal diameters.

Referring to FIGS. 18-22 , another exemplary embodiment 500 of theinvention is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment 500 is nearlyidentical to the exemplars 100, 200 with the exception of an elongatedradial finger flange 532 to facilitate actuation of the button actuator530. The tap 500 includes a body 502, dispensing head 508, throat 510,shut off valve 516, piston 518, peripheral seal 520, valve stem 522,button 530, spring 532, vent 540 and ball valve 542. Referring to FIG.21 , the dispensing head 508 includes internal guide channel 524 andloading cone 538 which are integrally formed with the dispensing head508 and suspended therein by radial support fingers 560. Referring toFIG. 22 , the piston 518 includes integrally formed conical loading cone536 and chevron peripheral piston seal 520.

Referring to FIGS. 23-31 , some embodiments 600 of the invention mayinclude an actuator lever 670 which engages with the top of the piston.The embodiment is similar in internal functional structure as theprevious embodiments 100, 200, 500, with the exception of the lever 670and finger hold structures 632. The tap 600 includes a body 602,dispensing head 608, throat 610, mouth 614, shut off valve 616, piston618, seal 620, valve stem 622, button 630, spring 634, vent 640 and ballvalve 642. The 670 lever may be L-shaped and pivotably anchored at oneend 672 on the exterior of the body 602. A first leg 674 of the lever670 extends over the top of the dispensing head 608 and is engaged witha raised shoulder 676 on the top surface of the piston 618. A second leg678 of the lever 670 then depends downwardly and forwardly therefrom infront of the dispensing head 608.

As best seen in FIGS. 23 and 27 , the finger hold structures 632 arealso L-shaped with a horizontal leg 680 and a vertical leg 682.

In use, the operator may actuate the tap 600 by either pressingdownwardly on the top (first leg 674) of the lever 670 or inwardly onthe front (second leg 678) of the lever 670. In the first instance thehorizontal legs 680 of the finger holds 632 may be used as a leveragepoint for the operator's index and middle fingers as the first leg 674is pressed downwardly by the thumb. In the second instance, the verticallegs 682 of the finger holds 632 may be used as leverage points for thesame index and middle fingers as the operator pressed inwardly on thesecond leg 678. The lever 670 and finger holds 632 provide an improvedergonomic system and better user experience.

Referring to FIGS. 32-34 , an alternative embodiment 700 is shown. Thealternative embodiment 700 can be used in conjunction with any of theabove embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 32-34 , some embodiments 700 areadapted for improved sealing around the venting passages and a modifiedstroke length for accommodating different flow rates. The exemplaryillustrated tap 700 includes a body 702, a dispensing head 708, a throat710, a mouth 714, a shut off valve 716, a piston 718, a seal 720, avalve stem 722, a button 730, a spring 734, a vent 740, and a ball valve742. As best seen in FIG. 34 , the button 730 has a larger and polishedperipheral seal 720 for better sealing and vent coverage. The seat ofthe ball valve 742 also has an improved seat angle (35 degrees) which ismore easily molded. The seat angle can be defined as the angled face atthe terminal end of the vent 740 disposed in the inner surface of thedispensing head 708 relative to the longitudinal axis of the dispensinghead 708. The angled seat surface is better seen in connection with FIG.31 where the check ball 642 sits against adjacent the valve seat. Theexemplary angle may range from 30 to 45 degrees for optimalfunctionality and ease of molding. The body 702 has also been providedwith a larger plug seal 790 for engagement with the bottle neck.Referring to both FIGS. 33 and 34 , it can be seen that the shut offvalve 716 has been improved with a steeper engagement angle forcontacting the mouth 714 and that the valve stem 722 is secured withinthe shut off valve 716. The redesigned valve shape keeps fluid fromhaving an exaggerated outward flowing “umbrella shape” when the fluid isflowing over the valve 716. The shape of the valve 716 can be describedas a flared bell-shape having a steeper slope than the valves 116, 216,516, 616 of the prior embodiments. The flared bell-shaped valve 716allows fluid to flow downward, relative to the tap 700 as opposed to theflatter valves 116, 216, 516, 616 described above. The downward flareprevents a flowing fluid from creating an “umbrella shape.” Theexemplary valve 716 can be molded from MDPE (medium-densitypolyethylene) NA285 or other suitable materials. Another feature to benoted is that the dispensing head 708, valve 716 and valve stem 722 areslightly elongated in this embodiment as compared to the earlierembodiments. The elongated design provides a longer stroke length of thepush button 730 during actuation and accommodates user with both ventedand non-vented versions. The present design allows for a stroke lengthrange of about 5.8 mm to about 7 mm.

Another similar embodiment (not shown) removes the ball vent structure740 for a non-vented version, but as noted above is otherwise the same.

It can therefore be seen that the present disclosure provides for anovel dispensing system and a liquid dispensing tap having an ergonomicdesign, high flow rate, and self-venting dispensing tap for ahigh-viscosity, flowable fluid or liquid formulation, such as a laundrydetergent.

Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention,it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims isnot to be limited by particular details set forth in the abovedescription, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated.Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, whichinclude within their scope all equivalent devices or methods whichoperate according to the principles of the invention as described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing tap, comprising: a body; adispensing head connected to the body, comprising: an interior surface;a mouth; and a lower loading cone; a valve stem seated in the dispensinghead, comprising: a button; an upper loading cone; and a peripheralseal; a shut off valve attached to the valve stem and seated in themouth; and a spring positioned between the upper loading cone and lowerloading cone.
 2. The dispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the springcomprises a slotted tubular spring element.
 3. The dispensing tap ofclaim 1, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring.
 4. The dispensingtap of claim 1, further comprising a throat connecting the body to thedispensing head.
 5. The dispensing tap of claim 4, wherein the throatfurther comprises a flow path between the body and the dispensing head.6. The dispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises aplug seal.
 7. The dispensing tap of claim 1, further comprising: aperipheral seal diameter associated with the peripheral seal; a shut offvalve diameter associated with the shut off valve; and wherein theperipheral seal diameter is larger than the shut off valve diameter. 8.The dispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the shut off valve comprises abell shape.
 9. The dispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the shut off valvecomprises a medium-density polyethylene material.
 10. The dispensing tapof claim 1, wherein the shut off valve is seated in sealing engagementwith the mouth.
 11. The dispensing tap of claim 1, further comprising avent between an interior of the dispensing head and an interior of thebody.
 12. The dispensing tap of claim 11, further comprising a ballvalve in the vent.
 13. The dispensing tap of claim 11, furthercomprising: a valve seat in the vent; and a ball valve seated in thevalve seat.
 14. The dispensing tap of claim 13, wherein the valve seathas an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.
 15. The dispensing tap ofclaim 13, wherein the valve seat has an angle of 35 degrees.
 16. Thedispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the valve stem has a stroke length ofabout 5.8 mm to about 7 mm.
 17. The dispensing tap of claim 1, whereinthe dispensing head further comprises two external finger holds.
 18. Thedispensing tap of claim 1, wherein the dispensing head further comprisesa first external finger hold extending radially outwardly from anexterior surface of the dispensing tap and a second external finger holdextending radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the dispensingtap in a direction opposite the first external finger hold.
 19. Adispensing tap, comprising: a body; a dispensing head connected to thebody, comprising: an interior surface; a mouth; and a lower loadingcone; a throat connecting the dispensing head to the body, comprising afluid flow path between the body and the dispensing head; a valve stemseated in the dispensing head, comprising: a button; an upper loadingcone; and a peripheral seal engaged with the interior surface; a shutoff valve attached to the valve stem and seated in the mouth; and aspring positioned between the upper loading cone and lower loading cone.20. The dispensing tap of claim 19, further comprising: a containerconnected to the body; and a liquid product contained in the containerand flowable through the dispensing head upon opening of the shut offvalve.